Mr. Benjamin Clyde Turner, the third of five children, passed away peacefully at his home in Bowie, Maryland late Friday night, October 14, 2011, at the age of 56. Benjamin or Bennie "Pittsburgh" Turner, as he was affectionately known to his family and close friends, was born December 14, 1954 to the late Benjamin and Minnie Anderson Turner in Pittsburgh, PA.
During Bennie's early life, he attended Beltzhoover Elementary School where he began his love of sports, especially basketball. He continued his love as a basketball star at Knoxville Junior High School. He played basketball from sun up to sun down. As a result, Bennie, who was never shy, became very popular around his neighborhood. In 1974, he graduated from South Hills High School and entered Winston-Salem State University where he received a scholarship when the legendary "Clarence Big House Gaines" recognized Bennie's basketball skills. As an avid and well-accomplished basketball player, Bennie continued to flourish at Winston-Salem State University. It was during this time that Bennie met and pursued his darling future wife, Linda Bailey. Successfully Bennie fulfilled his scholarship obligations and graduated from Winston- Salem State University in 1979 with a BS in Business Administration andEconomics.
After graduating, Benjamin became employed by Household Finance Company in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. Later Bennie followed his heart, in more than one way, and relocated to Maryland to become a computer engineer. Interestingly enough, this decision again brought him closer to the elusive Linda Bailey. Shortly afterward, Bennie won the "prize" and wedded his beloved Linda.
Professionally, Bennie maintained an award-winning career. He worked diligently for the United States Pentagon as a land administrator and computer programmer. During his tenure he received numerous recognitions for his expertise. He also made many contributions as a contractor for the State Department in Washington, DC.
Despite the rigor of his job, Benjamin always found time for his family, community and friends. Although living in Maryland, Bennie never lost his love for Pittsburgh. The Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, Pitt Panthers…all things Pittsburgh made Bennie happy. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and sons and hosting family events in Pittsburgh, whether it was his 50th birthday celebration or a family reunion. He loved his childhood community so much that in 2006, Ben began a $500.00 annual scholarship fund to encourage college bound students. The Benjamin Turner Scholarship was yearly awarded to a deserving Beltzhoover area college freshman.
As an active member of his Bowie, MD community, and a wonderful humanitarian, Ben was passionately involved with the AAU Basketball Organization and Boys and Girls Club. His contributions encouraged Ben to begin and organize Run and Slam Community Group, which traveled extensively throughout the country competing in basketball tournaments. This was the perfect combination of his love for community, basketball and travel.
Throughout Bennie's life he has always been able to acquire lifelong friendships. Ben's friends knew him to be loving, honest, supportive, entertaining and just a little bit stubborn. Whether singing old school hits, watching a Steelers game, coaching basketball or praising the Lord, anyone whose life was touched by Bennie "Pittsburgh" Turner knew he/she was loved.
Benjamin leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife of 30 years, Linda; two sons, Benjamin and Franklin of Bowie, MD; three brothers, Howard Stevens and Edward Turner of Pittsburgh, PA, Anthony Turner (Sandra) of Upper Marlboro, MD; one sister, Caroline Stevens of Oakland, CA; a father-in-law, Harvey Bailey of Pfafftown, NC; a mother-in-law, Maxine Barber of Wilksboro, NC; two sisters-in-law, Jennifer Bailey of Winston-Salem, NC; Cora Walker of Atlanta, GA; three brothers-in-law, Harvey Bailey Jr. (Harriet) of East Windsor, NJ, Robert E. Bailey (Deborah) of Goldsboro, NC, Frederick Barber (Savannah) of Wilksboro, NC and Frankie Bryson (Shalanda) of Atlanta, GA; four uncles, Reverend Robert H. Bailey (Berlie), Eugene Turner, Kenneth Turner and Robert Turner of Pittsburgh, PA; three aunts, Bertha May Turner and Marlene Hampton of Pittsburgh, PA and Maggie P. Bailey of Pensacola, FL.

Funeral services will be held at 11am Monday, October 24, 2011 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden Ministry Center, 3600 Brightseat Road, Glenarden, MD 20706. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11am on Monday at the Church. The family will also receive friends at the family-owned Beall Funeral Home, 6512 NW Crain Hwy (Rte. 3 South), Bowie, MD on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 6pm until 8pm.